Volvo XC90 Owners Review First Generation Executive 2.4 D5 Buyers Guide

This is my first attempt at an owners review/buyers guide for my, second, phase 1 XC90.

I've owned Volvo's since I was 20 alongside a wide range of other cars so I hold no bias but do have an appreciation for the "Ford" era of Volvo especially with the Euro 3 D5 engine. Even though I've never owned a Ford!

Previous Volvos: 1999 S80 2.4, 2000 V70 2.5TDI, 2004 V70 2.4 D5 (still own), 2005 XC90 2.5T and 2007 C30 2.4 D5. Not including other Volvos in the family.

Apologies about there being almost no format, I can't believe how hard it is to squeeze what I'd call important information into a reasonable length video. If you have ANY questions about the XC90 then please leave a comment and I'll help where I can.

A few other issues I've encountered on the previous XC90 I had are the headlight level adjustment sensor on the rear axle seizing and breaking the rivets attaching it to the suspension these are easily replaced. If a wheel bearing goes it can be difficult to hear which one it is (from the drivers seat) so be careful if this happens. I had a rear wheel bearing faulty but ended up replacing both the fronts because the sound was so loud from the front of the car somehow.
The power steering hose coming from the pump in the engine bay depending on the year the crimping can fail or the hose can become brittle where the jubilee clip holds. I actually had the aluminium corrode on the return pipe if you see my other videos.

Your feedback is much appreciated and I'll use it to improve my content when I do my other cars.

This video was recorded in the garden and any footage not on the property was recorded before the lockdown.

I'm on Twitter @tolly_swift

[gordonbrown]

I helped design this first XC90 in Sweden, inside and out. The first concept car for the Detroit show had a windshield that stretched the whole length of the roof. Originally, we intended to have sliding doors, but it took too long to develop them.

[gavinmellon]

I'm looking to buy one of these. Great review and thanks for taking the time to put this together.

[SupremeUnicorn]

What a great review. Thank you, I'm not buying one, but I'm on my third XC90 now. Got the T6 in 2011 in the UK, then got a D5 euro 3 in 2014, now i'm the owner of a D5 euro 4 purchased in Ireland since 2016.
You've pretty much hit every major issue these very good cars can have.
Thanks for all the tips.
Keep it up,
Cheers

[davidhughes]

Great Review! I've just bought a D5 2003 XC90 with 260k on the clock. Still going strong and in very good order for it's age. Keep up the good work.

[keithmontrose]

Hiya, really enjoyed that. I've had 240s, 740s, 850s, v40s, v70s, xc70s, s60s, i love volvo and have been driving them for 40 years, looking for a xc90 now you have been very helpful. Thank you. Monty.

[gangigooga]

Absolute beast car. I have the exact same model as you and honestly it’s my favourite car. My engine mounts are actually broken as you said so you’re spot on👌

[ivangadzhanov]

Finally, someone that knows what he's talking about!!! Looks like a great car, looking forward to getting one soon.

[alanwatson]

Great review man! Just bought myself a 2010 xc90 D5, had to upgrade from my 96 850 T5 as family getting bigger 🤣👌 full service history 89k miles, love it!

[freddieleethompson]

I drive a 2003 model. 120k on the clock. Love it.

[railman]

spot-on information..I have a 2007 xc90 2.4 D5 and only needed Swirl flaps doing at 73K miles..fitted new flaps and arm. Runs perfect, smooth, fast and getting good mpg now that's repaired. A great video looking forward to more to come.

[ianprice]

Best XC 90 review I’ve seen on YouTube, thank you for making this. I’m considering buying an XC 90 is a second car to run the dogs around in.

[TheCarlStark]

I literally just brought a 2005 XC90 for transportation for my Labradors and it has 174, 000 miles on it, I have only driven it a couple if time ( brought it about a week ago) It has full service history and just been fully valeted and hardly any marks on the outside so this review helped! I hope mine will keep running for a few years so I can get as much use out of it as possible!

[markgreen]

Thank you so much for this excellent video! I'm currently looking to replace my V70 with an XC90 and your review/advice has really helped me. You have a way of cutting through the crap and getting to the point and I appreciate that. Cheers Tolly.

[teemac]

Great review thanks. I drive a 04 model. 220, 000 miles and still never missed a beat. With that said, it gets an oil change every 7k.

[MediKombi]

Fantastic review, Tolly! Taking delivery of a 2008 XC90 R-Design with the 4.4L Yamaha V8 tomorrow. Really great review. Sad we don’t get the D4 and D5 diesels here in the USA. Cheers for the informative video and in-depth knowledge of the car. Definitely helps me reaffirm the purchase. X

[VINZBROWN]

Hey, man. Good video. 
I like your style - genuine, honest. Don't change anything. It's working. Ppl can relate to it. 🙂

[gripjim]

I had a XC 70 and i loved it! If i didn't need a van i'd still have it. Would like the 90 next though, for the ground clearance.

[geoffreygoodyear]

Great review fella, im thinking of buying a 2010/11, this was a great help thanx👍

[brianmccullough]

Thanks for very helpful account of XC90, gives a good hands on feel .as a prospective buyer am trying to get up to speed with versions etc and this really helped !
( buying for one reason : ' comfort ' as reckon seating of se lux and exec mega+ good suspension - feel new makes / all makes couldn't compete ! ) gave us a nice insight into the car and look forward to learning more about living with a big Volvo 🤞happy motoring

[seanphillips]

Hi Tolly, great review! I bought an XC90 D5 AWD Exec. model in 2015 with 77k. Now has 159k. I have had it serviced at least every 10k. Have had a new intercooler, discs all round (usual maintenance), had to change injector wiring loom. Currently have a diesel leak on the fuel return from the top of injector 3. I've removed them all and the retaining clip has worn a groove in all of them but number 3 is particularly bad so changing them all. I've just removed the hose from EGR to inlet manifold and removed approximately 1/2 inch of carbon deposit. EGR next with inlet manifold and swirl valves (I've messaged you on another video on that). Its a great car and is going to get some well needed TLC. Now living in south of France so I'm going to undertake maintenance myself now as have more time. Thanks again for your videos, they've inspired me to do this stuff myself!!